[eeda80]

I live in Canada. I am looking for purchasing 320 or 328. Actually its really different when u drive it? like the feeling to drive?
I really want to get BMW.
but with my budget I can get new 320 or used 328..
which one should i get...

[metallicpea]

You need to look at how you want it optioned. Many similarities in the car, many differences in the options available between the two. It really depends on what is important to you. I encourage you to go to the "build and price" and do some research. Then decide where your money is better spent between new and used.

I would say if it is really important for you to have a heavily optioned car, a slightly used 328 is a good choice. If you do not require all the stuff, a new 320 might be very good value for you.

Unfortunately, I could help you a ton with a US model, but have almost no familiarity with the Canadian model differences.

If I understand your question correctly, the cars are the same to drive except the 328 is tuned to have more horsepower. 180hp on the 320i and 240 on the 328i

[89alpinem3]

I was in the same boat as we were looking at a new daily driver for my wife... After driving the 2 back to back we choose a 2016 320i sport/track package car, the power in the 328 is a noticeable difference but for a dd the 320i checked all the boxes especially with the track package, the vss steering and adaptive suspension make a big difference, already ordered a bms stage 1 for the car so with the tune it makes up most of the power difference but saved us $6k+ between the 2

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by 89alpinem3

I was in the same boat as we were looking at a new daily driver for my wife... After driving the 2 back to back we choose a 2016 320i sport/track package car, the power in the 328 is a noticeable difference but for a dd the 320i checked all the boxes especially with the track package, the vss steering and adaptive suspension make a big difference, already ordered a bms stage 1 for the car so with the tune it makes up most of the power difference but saved us $6k+ between the 2

89alpinem3,
I would love to discuss this more with you. I was in exactly the same position and after test driving, I specifically went with the ZSP and not the track handling package. I am curious what were the deciding factors for you.

[openwheelracing]

320i with ZSP and ZLP or go 340i.

Why play around with 328i is beyond me...

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

320i with ZSP and ZLP or go 340i.

Why play around with 328i is beyond me...

Exactly. The 328i is very close to the 340i in pricing, but much closer to the 320i in performance/character. Unless you really need HUD/HK/saddle/coral or other premium options only available on the 328i, stick with the 320i, then tune it if you want more power.

It may be a different story for MY2017 with the 330i getting the new B46 while the 320i soldiers on with the N20/26, though. The new engine might be worth the premium if it's significantly smoother/more efficient/better sounding/tuneable/etc.

[goj]

Originally Posted by the_phew

Exactly. The 328i is very close to the 340i in pricing, but much closer to the 320i in performance/character. Unless you really need HUD/HK/saddle/coral or other premium options only available on the 328i, stick with the 320i, then tune it if you want more power.

It may be a different story for MY2017 with the 330i getting the new B46 while the 320i soldiers on with the N20/26, though. The new engine might be worth the premium if it's significantly smoother/more efficient/better sounding/tuneable/etc.

The new B48 should be pretty darn good. However, since BMW sells so many 328s you can get a killer deal on them. I was offered $1000 below invoice if I changed my 340 order to the identically equipped 328.

But clearly BMW did a great job with the 320i and with the options packages.

[89alpinem3]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

89alpinem3,
I would love to discuss this more with you. I was in exactly the same position and after test driving, I specifically went with the ZSP and not the track handling package. I am curious what were the deciding factors for you.

Of course bud. We choose the track pack as I felt the adaptive suspension, VSS steering and brakes made a big difference vs the sport only 320 we drove, and the pss tires are +++

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by 89alpinem3

Of course bud. We choose the track pack as I felt the adaptive suspension, VSS steering and brakes made a big difference vs the sport only 320 we drove, and the pss tires are +++

Did you like the adjustability of the adaptive suspension, or did you like the ride in sport mode better than the 704 static sport suspension? What did you like about the vss?

The brakes would have been nice to have, and of course the tires, I wasn't sold on the rest.

[eluded]

I find it all comes down to preference. Do you prefer slow or slower?

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by eluded

I find it all comes down to preference. Do you prefer slow or slower?

Thanks for that. Although slightly funny, it's not helpful. Not everyone has the need for 320 hp in every car they buy.

[BimmerF32_430i]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

Thanks for that. Although slightly funny, it's not helpful. Not everyone has the need for 320 hp in every car they buy.

I agree. I had a 320i loaner and sure, it's slow, but it's a somewhat torquey engine and made driving it pretty fun.

[RoundelM3]

Unless I'm in the Twilight Zone, the 320i's engine is down 60 hp from the 328i (180 versus 240). Huge difference there. All depends on whether you want just the handling or the handling and decent power to haul around 3700 pounds of car.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Unless I'm in the Twilight Zone, the 320i's engine is down 60 hp from the 328i (180 versus 240). Huge difference there. All depends on whether you want just the handling or the handling and decent power to haul around 3700 pounds of car.

You are correct about the HP, but the 320i weighs 3295 and the 328i weighs somewhere around or under 3400 lbs. Car's total weight depends on level of options of course.

The 320 hp I mentioned is from the 340i as eluded mentioned slow or slower, I assumed he was recommending a step up to the 340i, which may not be necessary for all buyers.

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Unless I'm in the Twilight Zone, the 320i's engine is down 60 hp from the 328i (180 versus 240). Huge difference there. All depends on whether you want just the handling or the handling and decent power to haul around 3700 pounds of car.

Curb weight on the 320i is 3295 lbs, up to 100 lbs lighter than the 328i (owing to the smaller driveshaft, cooling components and standard options).

Anyone that buys a 320i and cares about power adds a tune; BMS Stage 1@+4psi brings the 320i to ~220whp, JB4 brings it to ~265 whp. I run the Stage 1, but even stock is plenty quick to navigate the sea of crossovers and pickups on the roads.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

You are correct about the HP, but the 320i weighs 3295 and the 328i weighs somewhere around or under 3400 lbs. Car's total weight depends on level of options of course.

Interesting...so the 6-cylinder cars weigh 300+ lbs more than the 4-cylinder models? Wondering what a "stripped" 335i/340i weighs. I can see where a sunroof would add maybe 70 lbs or more, but not sure the larger engine is that much heavier. Nonetheless, 180 HP and 3300-3400 lbs is still pretty tame in terms of power.

[metallicpea]

Car and Driver listed the zero to 60 time of the 320i as 6.5. I think BMW states 7.1

328i is listed at 5.6 or 5.8 so yes, a substantial difference, but 7 seconds isn't slow. C&D also said almost all the difference is above 50 MPH, so most places you are putting your foot down the cars seem similarly fast, unless hwy passing/merging is your highest priority.

5k is the difference in MSRP, so a $500 tune doesn't seem like a bad idea.

I'm not justifying, I'm just sharing the logic I used when I did the comparison. I'm happy with my choice and I drove both before deciding. I certainly can see the logic behind going for the 6 cylinder, but couldn't see paying so much more to have a very similar 4 cylinder, unless of course you need to have Saddle/Coral interior, HK audio, HUD or something not available on the 320.

[metallicpea]

340i is listed at 3,555 lbs

[motorwerkeman]

Went through the same choice recently, ended up with a 328i Sport Line 6MT.

Canadian-spec 320i was never offered with the awesome sport package that US cars can be equipped with. In terms of a daily, the power is fine but you have to wind it out to get it going. I drove a 'no line' 320i and the interior does feel cheaper with the leatherette and no stitching on the door panels. Base seats are pretty flat also, and the steering wheel feels a bit cheap in your hands. 320i also has an economy stereo and sounds like it. If none of these aspects bother you, go for the 320i and chip it.

The power and torque in the 328i feel more effortless. I've seen mid 5's and low 14's from magazine tests, not sure on which planet that is considered 'slow.' 328's in general were better equipped than the 320's for not much more money on the used market, which ultimately convinced me the used 328i was the way to go.

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Canadian-spec 320i was never offered with the awesome sport package that US cars can be equipped with.

I'd never consider a 320i without the sport pack, even though I see them everywhere.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by the_phew

I'd never consider a 320i without the sport pack, even though I see them everywhere.

You got that right. If no ZSP in Canada, then 328 sport.

[1986pacecar]

As the current owner of a 320i I would say buy the 328i. I like my car but it's kind of a dog. I'm coming off my lease this year and would never get another 320i just because of the paltry performance.